Google Maps Finally Available for iPhone

Now you might not get lost in the Australian outback

Google’s service was dropped by Apple earlier this year as the iPhone maker launched its own service. Unfortunately, Apple Mapps — which came out on iOS 6 alongside the launch of the iPhone 5 — didn’t work properly and prompted numerous complaints from users.

Apple’s system, which used a system based on popular GPS TomTom‘s (PINK:TMOAF) data, featured innovations like a flyover view for cities and 3D presentations. The only problem was its tendency to get users lost. The service performed so poorly that Apple CEO Tim Cook went so far as to offer a public apology to users. The issue even led to Scott Forstall, who was in charge of the project for Apple, leaving the firm.

Google Maps for the iPhone builds on the company’s years of assembled data about roads and directions. Google also begins with TomTom’s data, but then combines that information with satellite imagery and even Google’s Street View to clarify the information in Google Maps. In some cases, Google employees have hand-corrected mistakes in the data to ensure proper navigation.

The new Google system also includes directions for walking and public transportation, where available. The company’s “points of interest” database is also integrated into the new app.